Translate Malay rulers' message into closer togetherness

The statement which was signed by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said the people must understand and respect the major principles contained in the Federal Constitution which was based on the understanding that this country was one where the people were off different religions and races.

KUALA LUMPUR: The concern of the Malay Rulers who view the unity and harmony of the people of different religions and races in the country seriously, should be translated to a closer spirit of togetherness.

The former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Datuk Dr Ismail Ibrahim said the people of this country must avoid sensitive issues which destroy and disrupt togetherness between the races, causing it to become fragile if it is not preserved.

“Clearly, the message that the Malay Rulers want to convey is the importance of inter-racial, inter-ethnic relations in a society where democracy must be preserved. If there are sensitive issues between Muslims and non-Muslims, they must be resolved properly.

“The opinion and wisdom of the Malay Rulers must be appreciated,” he told Bernama today when commenting on the statement by the Conference of Malay Rulers on Tuesday which viewed as serious the issue of unity and harmonious relations between the people of different religions and races in the country.

The statement which was signed by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad said the people must understand and respect the major principles contained in the Federal Constitution which was based on the understanding that this country was one where the people were off different religions and races.

Ismail said if there were any differences in culture, eating habits, issues of halal and haram, as well as other related matters, the people should not jump to conclusions without first checking the facts as this could affect the spirit of togetherness and unity which had existed for so long.

Meanwhile, the main fellow at the Centre for the Study of Shariah, Law and Politics (SYARAK), at the Institute of Islamic Understanding (IKIM), associate professor Dr Shamrahayu Abdul Aziz said every individual must abide by the views of the Conference of Malay Rulers.

“What is voiced reflects the Malay Rulers’ concern for the people in the country and proves that the Rulers are serious about resolving issues pertaining to unity, ” she said. - Bernama